Pharmacy Support Worker Apprenticeship
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
About the Role
The Pharmacy Support Worker in Aseptic Services plays an important role in the safe preparation of sterile medicines for patients. This work-based learning programme is a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) approved qualification. You will work as part of the Aseptic Services team under the supervision of qualified pharmacy colleagues.
The role involves working in a cleanroom environment, following strict procedures to prepare materials, maintain high standards of cleanliness, complete accurate documentation and support the production of aseptic medicines.
You will be supported to complete the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Pharmacy competency training package, as follows:
o Preparing documentation for batch medicinal products
o Preparing trays according to the worksheet, filling in relevant manufacturer, batch number and expiry date
o Preparing, processing and packing aseptically prepared medicinal products in accordance with approved worksheets and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
o Stock control training plan and competency
o Labelling and dispensing training plan and competency
o Controlled Drug Total Preparation
o Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) preparation
o To undertake transfer disinfection of materials into and within the aseptic unit and the isolators; visually inspect/volume accuracy check batches prepared in the aseptic unit to ensure they are free of particulate contamination and meet the required standards
o To undertake daily recording of temperature/pressure readings and manometer panel of the aseptic unit as per SOPs
o To undertake environmental monitoring using the appropriate equipment following SOPs
o To assist in maintenance and cleaning of facilities and equipment within the aseptic unit in line with SOPs
Pharmacy Support Workers may have opportunities to progress to a Pharmacy Technician or Senior Pharmacy Support Worker. Opportunities could include having responsibility for others, or pursuing a specific speciality, e.g.:
Dispensary
Medicines Management – predominantly wards-based
Technical services – e.g. Cytotoxics or Aseptic Dispensing Units
Homecare – helping to supply and deliver medications for treatment in the patients home
Pharmacy Stores
Clinical Trials – we have a fast growing department
Community pharmacy services
Education and Training
Healthcare Governance and Medicines Safety
Procurement – sourcing and ordering medications
In each area there is further room for progression.
About the Training
As well as completing the Trust's competency package towards the duties of the role, achieving your Level 2 qualification consists of:
- Completing a portfolio demonstrating your knowledge and skills developed at work
- Attending virtual sessions every 2 weeks to support underpinning knowledge
- An end point assessment incorporating:
- Written questions
- Simulated Observation
- Professional Discussion
Built into the qualification, is the Open Awards Level 2 Certificate in Principles and Practices for Pharmaceutical Technical Services (RQF).
About the Employer
We are committed to helping our staff balance their work and home lives and ensure they feel supported, valued and appreciated so whilst you care for our patients and clients, we’ll take care of you. We offer many different ways of helping staff including career development opportunities, flexible working, good annual leave and pension schemes , health and wellbeing packages and financial support systems. Joining the Trust also allows you access to a number of saving options via our salary sacrifice schemes and a wide range of discount opportunities with retailers and service providers. You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Patient First
- Respect
- Ownership
- Unity
- Delivery
- Independence
- Focus
- Prioritising
- Reliable
- Committed
Training Provider
WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
Course/Training
Science manufacturing process operative (level 2)